The controversial merger of Taunton Deane and West Somerset councils is set to go ahead after Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, said he was “minded” to allow the plan after a period of further representation until 19 January 2018 and Parliamentary approval.

At a stormy meeting in January this year Wellington town council voted 6-4 to write to TDBC opposing the merger. “It’s a dreadful idea that will swallow millions of pounds that could have been spent on local infrastructure,” commented Cllr Andy Govier. “West Somerset is too small to be viable and Taunton has decided to rescue it. It’s road to disaster for Wellington and Taunton.”

However, council leaders in both district councils have welcomed the Government decision. In a joint statement, the Leaders – Cllrs John Williams (Taunton Deane) and Anthony Trollope-Bellew (West Somerset) – said: “We welcome the Secretary of State’s announcement that he is minded to approve the proposal for a single new council.

“We have the support of partners, other councils in Somerset, key players in business and the voluntary sector – all play a vital part in the life of our two areas.

“Our proposal will deliver further savings, service improvements and resilience, stronger leadership and improved local governance. Ultimately it will deliver financially viable local government services in our area in the future.

“This new council will make sure we can continue to deliver the services that our residents value, and allowing us to focus on boosting our economy, supporting the delivery of Hinkley Point C new nuclear power station and fully embracing the opportunity afforded by Garden Town status awarded to Taunton.

“We must also build on great natural assets that exist – Exmoor National Park, the coastline, Quantock and Blackdown Hills and the Somerset Levels”

9 comments on “Two-council merger almost “done deal””

This merger has always been a “done deal” you have only had to listen to John Williams’ comments on it since it was proposed. How will the merger boost the local economy? By building more in Taunton Deane because when you take out the Quantocks and Exmoor National Park, there isn’t much available land left in West Somerset, an issue raised by parish councillors at a merger meeting that I attended in June, held at Williton by the way!!
Improvements in Services. How many people know that if you want to talk face to face with somebody from Electoral Services you have to go to Williton because that is now where the team is based.
During the year I have spoken to several West Somerset councillors and they are also against the merger.
I was one of the six Wellington Town Councillors who voted against the merger and I am proud of that decision as the merger is going to have a dramatic impact on the small parish councils in Taunton Deane.

Let the reader be the judge of whether it is political. I attended numerous briefings before I realised the merger was the way forward. Unfortunately most of the councillors that voted against the merger did not attend and condemned it without any expert financial advice.

If this is such a good deal and the way forward. Why is it that Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP for Bridgwater & West Somerset has publicly stated.
“I have said it before and I will say it again: this council is bent, ( TDBC). Its revenue department is under investigation by the district auditor; the fraud squad is waiting for a full report; the council leader, (John Williams), whom I should perhaps call the supreme leader, pretends that there is nothing wrong, and has ordered a multi-million pound refit of the tired old council buildings, for which my constituents will pay. He runs his administration with a cabinet of weak yes-men. Frankly, he would not be out of place in Pyongyang.”
Ian Liddell-Grainger has further stated. “I will intensify my campaign during the weeks ahead. It is also your chance to tell the Government what you think and I urge everyone to do so.”

There are now two WTC Councillors denigrating the merger, neither of whom attended any briefings on the matter and are condemning it on the word of members of TDBC who didn’t attend either. As for the MP who constantly tries to upset others with his remarks he always makes comment using Parliamentary Privilege it he really thinks what he says is correct let him step forth at a Council Meeting at TDBC and throw his accusations.

As I only became a Wellington Town Councillor in June , I think it is a bit rich to try to win your case Janet (Reed) by saying I did not turn up at a meeting. As for Ian Liddell-Grainger, a Conservative MP, Why would he just try to upset his own party with comments about a merger that does not add up in any way?
Janet Reed, I respect you for you views, however, I would prefer that you get your facts right before you comment.